A New Chief Executive for Adur and Worthing Councils

A community focus is high on the agenda for the new Chief Executive of Adur & Worthing Councils. Alex Bailey recently took up the post after the former Chef Executive Peter Latham retired. His role is charged with facilitating even closer working between the two authorities. Alex will oversee more than 1,000 members of staff, report to two council leaders and serve a combined population of over 170,000.

38 candidates applied for the role and they had to take part in various skills tests, case studies and presentations. Following the comprehensive selection process the councils appointed Alex who previously worked as head of fundraising strategy at NSPCC and formerly as director of strategy and governance at Brighton & Hove City Council. Both council leaders, Adur’s Neil Parkin and Worthing’s Paul Yallop were part of the selection panel.

Neil Parkin, leader of Adur District Council, said: “I was pleased to see such a strong field of candidates applying for the job. After long deliberations the panel decided Alex Bailey would be the best person to continue the transformation of Adur and Worthing Councils”

Paul Yallop, leader of Worthing Borough Council, commented: “Alex said he was genuinely excited by the prospect of working with the communities of both councils. We very much look forward to working with him for the benefit of our residents.”

Alex Bailey added: “I am excited to work with the councils and communities of Adur and Worthing.”

Adur & Worthing Councils were the first authorities to appoint a joint Chief Executive back in 2005 and are still breaking new ground.